Teach volleyball skills in elementary physical education classes using soft volleyballs that are larger than regular volleyballs. This gives kids a chance to have fun and learn some basic skills without being afraid of the ball.
Encourage kids to improve their volleyball skills in middle school physical education class by focusing on skill-building drills rather than playing games. Do this during the first part of your volleyball unit. When students improve their skills, they are more likely to feel confident about trying out for the team.
Have several days of conditioning and practice before actually holding volleyball tryouts. This holds for both middle school and high school teams.
Offer a summer volleyball camp at the high school level where team members work with volleyball team hopefuls on their skills. This encourages new students to try out by giving them a chance to get to know current team members and hone their skills.
Put together two teams for every school at the middle school level, if possible. This gives more students the chance to play volleyball. It also encourages more students to try out if they know they have a greater chance of making the team.
Give each player as much playing time as possible during games. It's OK to have a first and second string, but the important thing is for students to know that if they try out for and make the team, they'll get to play.
Have intramural volleyball available after school for students who don't make the regular team. This builds the skill level of those students who enjoy the game and encourages them to try out again the following year.